Frank Klegon, Chrysler executive vice president of product development, told the SAE 2008 World Congress in Detroit that the hybrid version of its high-volume hauler is part of the automaker's plans to reshape its product portfolio in the coming years.

Less than a year since being acquired from Daimler AG by Cerberus Capital Management LP, Chrysler is under pressure to revive its vehicle portfolio amid a major downturn in North American sales.

Klegon -- today and in recent public remarks -- says help is on the way as the automaker beefs up features in many of its vehicles.

Klegon also mentioned company plans to introduce UConnect, a system similar to Ford's SYNC system. Chrysler's UConnect would wirelessly connect to a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone and allow the user to dial hands-free using voice activated software.

Frank Klegon

Another key initiative: The automaker's 2009 minivans will have blind-spot detection systems and a cross pass system, which alerts a driver to oncoming traffic when backing out of a spot in a parking lot.

Dual-clutch coming soon

In a statement, Chrysler also said its new dual-clutch transmission -- developed in partnership with German supplier Getrag -- debuts this spring. The new technology -- available in international markets on the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, the 2009 Dodge Avenger and the 2009 Chrysler Sebring -- improves fuel economy and reduces carbon dioxide emissions.

"Chrysler's new dual-clutch transmission is the next step in transmission technology, offering consumers improved fuel economy along with smoother and quicker shifting," Klegon said in a prepared statement.

"This important new Chrysler technology is one of several initiatives we have in place to directly focus on improving fuel efficiency across our vehicle lineup."